From epic breakfast joints to restaurants with sunset views, the Hawaiian Islands are home to some of the best restaurants around. But there is one meal that reigns supreme: brunch, a heavenly meal best enjoyed on a weekend morning, followed by a trip to one of Hawaii's best beaches. Serving up classic breakfast favorites and island-inspired dishes, these 17 restaurants throughout Hawaii are the best places to go for a late morning meal - after all, brunch is obviously the most important meal of the day.
1. Koko Head Cafe, Honolulu
There's no doubt that brunch is one of the best meals ever invented, and the food from celebrity chef Lee Anne Wong's Koko Head Cafe does not disappoint. Doesn’t this breakfast bibimbap look absolutely mouthwatering?1145 C 12th Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96816
2. Gazebo Restaurant, Lahaina
This busy breakfast spot is located right on the beach at the Napili shores condo complex. Don’t allow the hour long line to discourage you, Gazebo Restaurant serves the best breakfast food for miles – you’ve got to try their famous macadamia nut pancakes. Pro tip: if you arrive and the line is too long for your liking, walk around the corner and order your food to go – you can then take your breakfast and eat on the beach, with the same view!5315 Lower Honoapiilani Road, Lahaina, HI 96761
3. Frenchman’s Cafe, Kailua-Kona
This Hawaii Island eatery blends French, Caribbean and Polynesian flavors effortlessly. It is certainly hard to choose between their sweet crepes and savory omelets. With more than 250 reviews and five stars, this Kailua-Kona cafe is the 12th best restaurant in America - according to Yelp.Kona Marketplace, 75-5729 Alii Drive, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
4. Anuenue Cafe, Koloa
This cozy eatery serves up hearty American breakfast food in a casual environment with outdoor seating. My mouth is watering just looking at this French Toast... 2360 Kiahuna Plantation Drive, Koloa, HI 96756
5. My Cafe, Kapolei
Serving breakfast all day, this café is wildly popular, and you should definitely call ahead for a reservation. Coffee is served in mismatched mugs, traditional breakfast favorites are cooked fresh and made to order. If you’re into pancakes, you’ve got to try the "Flight of Pancakes" with flavors like cookie butter and lilikoi, with syrups to complement the flavors.
563 Farrington Highway, Kapolei, HI 96707
6. Paia Bay Coffee, Paia
This funky little cafe has the most picturesque outdoor patio. In addition to serving up amazing coffee and espresso drinks, they have delicious breakfast options including bagels, banana bread and other pastries as well as a mouthwatering Greek yogurt, granola and lilikoi bowl.115 Hana Highway, Paia, HI 96779
7. Hawaiian Style Cafe, Waimea
This quaint diner, located in Waimea, features a mix of Hawaiian dishes and American home cooking for breakfast and lunch. From massive pancakes and kalua pork hash to lighter or vegetarian options, there is something for everyone at this charming café.
65-1290 Kawaihae Road, Waimea, HI 96743
8. Lava Lava Beach Club, Kapa’a
Located at the newly-renovated Kauai Shores Hotel in Kapaa, Lava Lava Beach Club is the only "toes in the sand" restaurant you'll find in Hawaii - perfect for a morning spent on the beach.420 Papaloa Road, Kapaa, HI 96746
9. Restaurant 604, Honolulu
With stunning views of Pearl Harbor, amazing breakfast food, and a mimosa trio, there's no better spot for an epic weekend brunch than Restaurant 604.57 Arizona Memorial Drive, Honolulu, HI 96818
10. Kihei Cafe, Kihei
Open every day at 5 a.m., it’s always breakfast time at Kihei Caffe. From traditional bacon and eggs dishes, omelets, and fresh baked pastries, to fried rice and other local flavors, this local spot has got it all.1945 S Kihei Road, Kihei, HI 96753
11. Sweet Cane Cafe, Hilo
This locally-owned eatery focuses on vegetarian dishes and a farm-to-table approach to cooking. Oh, and their acai bowls are heavenly.48 Kamana Street, Hilo, HI 96720
12. La Spezia Restaurant and Wine Bar, Koloa
Killer brunch spot by day, epic wine bar by night. La Spezia may not seem like your typical brunch joint, but it won't disappoint.5492 Koloa Road, Koloa, HI 96756
13. Rise & Shine Cafe, Mililani
Located in an unassuming shopping area in Mililani is this killer breakfast spot, serving up the best banana pancakes I've ever tried.95-1057 Ainamakua Drive, Suite F-6, Mililani, HI 96789
14. Leoda’s Kitchen & Pie Shop, Lahaina
Located in Olowalu Village, just outside Lahaina is Leoda’s Kitchen & Pie Shop, a café that is all about farm fresh and sustainable ingredients, and hand-crafted specialties. The casual family dining spot serves up some mouthwatering breakfast favorites.820 Olowalu Village Road, Lahaina, HI 96761
15. Basik Cafe, Kailua-Kona
For a killer acai bowl or smoothie, head to this charming Kailua-Kona favorite overlooking the ocean. With several bowls to choose from, you can't go wrong. After all, an acai bowl is the quintessential Hawaiian breakfast food.75-5831 Kahakai Road, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
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16. Kalaheo Cafe & Coffee Company, Kalaheo
Whether you're on your way to the beach to soak up the sun, or on your way to Kokee State Park for a hike, Kalaheo Café is the perfect place to stop for a coffee or espresso drink, and scrumptious breakfast offerings – from Anahola Granola and Fruit, to their Bonzo Burrito or a Double Bagel Benny.2-2560 Kaumualii Highway, Kalaheo, HI 96741
17. Sweet E’s, Honolulu
From stuffed French toast and amazing omelets to breakfast potatoes and corned beef benedict, Sweet E’s Café is where it’s at. This little breakfast joint may not look like much, but it is a must-stop while in Honolulu – I mean, just check out the reviews on Yelp: 4.5 stars with more than 1,000 reviews.1006 Kapahulu Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96816
Which of these brunch spots is your favorite, and which restaurant are you planning to check out next? If you want to try something a little different, check out these 13 perfect ways to start your day in Hawaii.
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